Ideas for updating a furniture set with a high glossy finish?

Question

I am buying a furniture set in perfect condition. The only problem is it looks like something from the Golden Girls. Besides updating the handles I don't know what to do. The headboard has this gold band down the middle which matches the handles. I dont think I can paint because it is so glossy. All ideas appreciated, thanks!

Answer 1

carefully and very lightly sand that area with 100 grit paper until it no longer shines then tape it out so no paint gets on anything else and lightly spray it with whatever color your decor goes with give it three or four light coats while it lays flat to avoid over spraying it and getting runs that should do it good luck

Answer 2

You would have to prepare the surface first by giving it a light sanding to roughen up the shine. Then you would have to use a primer. And then you can choose any paint colour that you want. I would suggest a melamine type paint. It is more durable. I did this with an old 70's bedroom set. Yes 70's, which had good bones. By doing what I suggested, you would never know it came from the 70's. Plus I added new moldings and trim to give it more character. And I also changed the handles. One section of the mirror has been covered with the same material I used to also make my valance for my windows. So everything matches and it looks great. Don't be afraid to try it. And get a friend to help you.

Answer 3

I did this same thing a few years ago, and learned a few things the hard way. With that in mind, I will give you some pointers on how to do it without wasting a lot of money and time. First, lightly sand the furniture, just to give the paint something to grab onto. Next, Primer it with a spray primer which is close in color to the one you plan on using. If you don't use primer, you will end up applying up to 4 times more paint than you would if you had used primer. Then, apply the spray paint evenly, one coat at a time. Letting it dry in between. Spray back in forth in one direction. The next coat, spray in the other direction. 3 coats should do a real nice job. Now, for the desk top. Either put a clear varathene coat on top, or have a piece of glass or heavy plastic to fit. One more thing. Be sure to paint the furniture outside, as you really don't want or need to breath in all the fumes. Good luck.

Answer 4

Sophie has very good answer.

If re-painting it, you must:
1. Sand the original paint finish [use 100-120 grit];
2. After your first coat of paint, apply a second coat, having sanded after your first coat w/220grit.

Primer may not be necessary. If the pieces are already painted, that coat will serve as Primer. One would only have to prime in this case, if your new coat was Latex paint being put over Oil paint.

My suggestion is to use a flat black oil paint. And this suggestion is coming from a Glossy-Painter: I most aLWaYs use glossy or semi-gloss paints ~ because of their increased durability over flat, and because I like the way they look. [I NeVeR use flat paint on wall surfaces] Nevertheless, using an oil-based flat black, will produce a time-honored CLaSSy look and appeal; I think you will be abundantly/pleasantly surprised.

Whatever color you choose to use, select the hardware aFTeR painting is complete. The entire look/style of the set will depend on your color choice.

Answer 5

mmm.. how about if you cover it with some foam, just the exact size of the band, you can glue it and then cover it with fabric, and with the same fabric you could make some matching cushions or curtains?, just an idea, since you can't paint them.

Answer 6

pl contact dowcorning u sa they definately have resin that can bond on existing one else use emmery roughenthe surface and coat it with either slicone/epoxy/polyurethane coatings or even malamine coatings are good

Answer 7

interior designer